UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU) highlighted organizational growth, a successful leadership transition, and new community partnerships during its 57th Annual Meeting held Friday, March 6, at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum Ballroom.

Nearly 150 members, employees, and leadership gathered for the annual business meeting and celebration, which included governance updates, board elections, and recognition of the credit union’s continued focus on member experience and community engagement across Tennessee.

Board Chair Mike McNeil presided over the meeting, presenting highlights from the organization’s 2025 Annual Report, reflecting on the credit union’s $560 million in assets milestone, and overseeing board elections. Members voted to renew the terms of McNeil, Michael Carter, and Trudy Hughes to the UTFCU Board of Directors.

Reflecting on the past year, McNeil noted the organization’s smooth leadership transition and continued commitment to its members and communities.

“We had a seamless CEO transition this year, and it positioned us well for the future,” McNeil said. “Community is central to who we are as a credit union, and members will see even more of that in the years ahead.”

President and CEO Kenyon Warren also addressed attendees, marking the completion of his first year leading the credit union.

“To our members, thank you. Your trust is our greatest asset,” Warren said. “The credit union exists because of you and for you. Every product we design, every branch we open, and every technology investment we make begins and ends with the member experience.”

During the event, UTFCU also highlighted its new multi-year partnership with the Knoxville Ice Bears, established in October 2025 and running through the team’s 2029–2030 season. The collaboration will include community initiatives such as financial education programs for fans, players, and staff, along with exclusive experiences and benefits for UTFCU members.

Before the formal meeting, members attended a reception featuring appearances by Knoxville Ice Bears players and the team’s mascot, Chilly Bear. Following the meeting, attendees received tickets to the Ice Bears game at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum, where McNeil delivered the ceremonial puck drop as the Ice Bears defeated the Evansville Thunderbolts 3–0.

“Moments like this reflect what makes credit unions unique,” Warren said. “Our members aren’t customers; they’re owners. Opportunities to come together, celebrate, and connect beyond everyday transactions are part of what makes this community so strong.”

Founded more than 50 years ago, UT Federal Credit Union serves individuals, families, and businesses across Tennessee and remains committed to helping members achieve financial well-being while strengthening the communities it serves.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for March 9, 2026.

In recognition of the vital role that transportation plays in the nation’s economy and infrastructure, ETHRA, Oak Ridge Transit and Lakeway Transit, is proud to celebrate National Transportation Week, taking place March 16 – 18, 2026.

This annual observance, established by Congress, honors the devoted professionals—from bus operators, mechanics, call-centers for scheduling, dispatch, to logistics planners, transit accountants and managers—who sustain the nation’s transportation systems.

“This week, we honor the people and systems that keep East Tennessee moving,” said Cynthia Plemens, ETHRA Transportation Marketing and Communications Manager.”

Whether it is connecting individuals to their jobs and communities, driving them to medical appointments, the grocery store or other interests, our transit workers and infrastructure professionals are the backbone of our economy. ETHRA’s transit door-to-door service operates from 7am to 6pm, Monday through Friday, excluding all major holidays.

Throughout the week, ETHRA Transportation will highlight accomplishments of ETHRA Transportation, goals achieved with employee recognition, transportation safety blogs, gift card awards for ETHRA Transportation employees and much more!

Key Highlights for the Week:

March 16, 2026: Highlighting the efforts of our transportation workers via social media outlets.

March 17, 2026: Showcasing new and future transportation employee outerwear.

March 18, 2026: Focusing on transit safety and innovation.

March 19, 2026: Picture-day! Showcasing various snapshots of our transportation staff.

March 20, 2026: Say thank you to a driver.

National Transportation Week also coincides with efforts to modernize transit, including initiatives aimed at transitioning to greener energy, enhancing safety, and improving accessibility for all riders.

ETHRA Transportation, Oak Ridge Transit and Lakeway Transit encourages the public to join in celebrating by thanking a local transit operator, supporting local transit systems, and staying safe on our roads.

For more information about ETHRA Transportation, visit http://www.ethra.org

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for March 2, 2026.

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 246th installment visiting with Paulette Bailey, president of the Maryville Lions Club which is a non-profit public service organization with the primary focus on vision preservation.

Describe more about what the Lions Club does. The Lions Club conducts vision screenings in the Blount County daycares and Maryville City schools, recycles eyeglasses and plastic bags and helps individuals in need access glasses and eye surgeries. The club also partners with other organizations such as Parks & Rec, Boys & Girls Club and “A Place to Stay” to serve the greater community volunteering at various events.

What is the Lions Club history in Blount County? The Maryville Lions club was created in 1938 by a group of individuals interested in serving the needs of the Blount community. Lions International and the local TN District offer a variety of learning and training opportunities.

What do you enjoy about the Lions Club? I enjoy the camaraderie developed with fellow Lions and others working at events. Listening to interesting guest speakers at meetings. Variety of volunteer opportunities available to pursue.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for February 23, 2026.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for February 16, 2026.

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 245th installment visiting with Amy Fuentes, owner of Rustic Kitchen (scheduled to open in April) which serves fresh in-house handmade country cuisine, with as many fresh ingredients as possible. It is located at 501 N Cusick St, Maryville, TN.

What is your background? I attended culinary school and have years of hands of experience working in some great local restaurants and businesses.

Who is you biggest supporter? My husband Bert, he has taught me and still continues to teach me everyday about food and cooking. (and Martha Stewart)

What do you enjoy about your business? I love all things food. I love to look out and see people enjoying there meals. I love being my own boss, and getting to make the decisions of my business